Hey @Jimbo, I saw your post and wanted to respond even though the thread was locked. What you’re saying is absolutely spot on. The game’s combat direction has shifted, but they haven’t properly adjusted the sorcery system that was introduced in the previous Age. And yes, I’m calling these Ages expansions because they bring significant changes.
While I think sorcery has been somewhat of a joke, as I pointed out in an older post:
Funcom, please, stop nerfing Sorcery confused
“Totally agree with the original post. The Call of the Dead spell is a joke. The zombies come up with 100 health and die in two, sometimes one hit, and they just walk around without attacking. When the spell says ‘summon an undead army,’ you expect hungry zombies ready to kill. My friend nearly died laughing when we were dueling, and I cast the spell. It was like I puffed a giant fart and did nothing… FIX YOUR SHIT FUNCOM. Also, the Demon Lord perk should let you take permanent control over the demon you summon, not just give a temporary damage boost.”
The devs need to step back and reconsider the direction they’ve taken with sorcery and how it fits into player feedback. I’ve posted several ideas to enhance Sorcery Thralls, adding more depth to the gameplay. Check out my full post above:
[Feedback on Living Settlement Server Options – Please Consider Optional Settings for Hardcore Survival Players]
Sorcerer Thralls Specializations:
I also propose introducing different specializations for Sorcery Thralls, which would add depth to the gameplay, especially in managing magical aspects of your settlement. These specializations could include:
[Necromancer] – Master of Undeath
Role: The Necromancer specializes in necromancy, raising the dead to serve the player. Working closely with the [Driver] Taskmaster, the Necromancer assists in killing captured NPCs and reanimating them as undead thralls. These undead can be used for combat, as bodyguards for a [Warlock], or to defend the settlement. The Necromancer can also expand the types of undead that can be created using rare materials to craft more powerful or unique zombies.
[Warlock] – Sorcerer of Battle
Role: The Warlock is a powerful combat sorcerer capable of summoning demons or commanding undead to fight alongside them in battle. As the only sorcery thrall that can actively participate in combat, the Warlock is invaluable in skirmishes. However, they require protection due to their vulnerability while casting spells. The Warlock can summon a temporary demon using a summoning circle but must be careful as the demon will eventually turn on the player and the Warlock.
[Blood Mage] – Collector of Sacrificial Blood and Souls
Role: The Blood Mage specializes in sacrificial rituals at the Sacrificial Stone, harvesting either Sacrificial Blood or Soul Essence from captured NPC thralls. These resources are critical for advanced sorcery and magical rites. The Blood Mage works closely with the [Driver] Taskmaster, who secures prisoners for the ritual.
- [Thaumaturgist Scholar] – Master of Arcane Knowledge:
- Role: This specialized scholar not only works on the Thaumaturgy Bench but also expands their knowledge across a wide range of magical and arcane fields. They provide deeper lore insights, discover new spells, and unlock hidden knowledge that may trigger server-wide quests or storylines. A unique feature of the Scholar is their ability to interact with golems, gathering materials and researching new magical properties. When stationed at a golem crafting station, the Thaumaturgist Scholar can periodically send out golems to collect rare ingredients and research materials.
- Key Features:
- Lore Master and Researcher: The Thaumaturgist Scholar can discover new magical abilities, uncover hidden lore, and unlock rare spells. Their research can result in powerful enhancements to the player’s magic or trigger lore-based events across the server.
- Golem Integration: When assigned to a golem crafting station, the Scholar will not only oversee golem creation but will also randomly send out crafted golems to gather materials. These golems could bring back rare research ingredients or resources needed to advance magical research.
- Artifact and Lore Collection: The Scholar can process notes, relics, and artifacts found throughout the world, revealing deeper stories from the Conan universe or hidden magical powers. By returning these items to the Scholar, players unlock new spells, rituals, or summon unique world events.This specialization adds significant depth by integrating magical research with material gathering, lore discovery, and the potential to trigger world-changing events.
I even suggested a redesign for the corrupted perks a while back:
I also fully agree with your point about stamina, but at the time I made my post, it wasn’t necessary. But now, with the new stamina nerfs in Age of War, addressing stamina in corrupted builds is essential. [Stamina Leach] would make a nice corrupted perk.
Here are a few ideas I shared regarding Corrupted Agility & Expertise Perks:
- Serrated Strikes: Inflict bleeding, scaling with corrupted Agility.
- Phantom Reflexes: Dodging no longer consumes stamina, and grants a movement speed boost.
- Eldritch Alacrity: Reduces the cost of all magic-related actions, with increased buff duration.
These perks add a lot of flavor and would be a great way to fix and finish corrupted perks, bringing more balance and fun to sorcery.